Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema

I’ve been so excited for tortillas that won’t fall apart under the stress of fillings that I’ve been dreaming about and experimenting with all sorts of tacos. These Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema are one of my favorites and the perfect meal to make for Cinco de Mayo!

I aim to make all of my recipes simple, and this one is just that. The shrimp is rubbed in Mexican Fiesta seasoning and avocado oil before being quickly sautéed. The Lime Crema can easily be mixed together while the shrimp are cooking, and the remaining ingredients are simple – thinly sliced red cabbage, avocado, cilantro and scallions. The entire meal can be on the table in 20 minutes if you make the tortillas ahead of time. If the tortillas are made while the taco fillings are being prepared, the whole meal will take about 30 minutes to complete, which is perfectly reasonable for a nutritious, home cooked meal that is gluten-free, grain-free and low-carb!

Shrimp is not only an excellent source of protein, it provides healthy omega 3 fats, the minerals selenium and copper and the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin (source). Concerned about the amount of cholesterol in shrimp? Don’t be. In 2015, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reversed its recommendation to limit dietary cholesterol because research failed to show a relationship between dietary cholesterol and serum cholesterol levels (source).

Avocado has been called a superfood and for good reason! It’s an excellent source of fiber and healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart and help you feel full. In addition, avocado has a slew of nutrients, like vitamin K, vitamin B5, folate, potassium and vitamin E (source).

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable with impressive health benefits. Not only does it contain vitamin C and vitamin K, cabbage, particularly red cabbage, is rich in antioxidants that research suggests do everything from fighting cancer to supporting heart health. These antioxidants in conjunction with the amino acid glutamine are also healing to the digestive system (source).

Here are a few tips for making these Shrimp Tacos:

I buy my shrimp at Costco (raw, shelled and deveined, tail on) because they have multiple sizes to choose from at a good price. However, I’ve also seen reasonable prices on shrimp at Walmart and King Soopers. Once they are thawed, I pull the tails off before cooking so I don’t have to worry about shrimp tails in my tacos.

I typically use large shrimp (21-25) to make this recipe, but smaller shrimp can also be used. Just be sure not to overcook them! As a general rule, shrimp are done cooking as soon as they turn from translucent and gray to pink and opaque.

I use Wallaby brand European Style Sour Cream because it contains live and active cultures. That means you will get a dose of probiotics from these tacos. Woot woot!

I use Frontier’s Mexican Fiesta seasoning from Whole Foods for the shrimp and a little salt (since the seasoning is salt-free). It can sometimes also be found at Walmart, or you can buy it on Amazon. Taco seasoning could also be used in a pinch. Either way these shrimp tacos will have great flavor!

Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema

These Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema are full of flavor yet quick and easy to make! Nutritious, low-carb ingredients provide lots of health benefits, all in a gluten-free, grain-free and vegan tortilla that won't fall apart.

Gluten-free | Grain-free | Egg-free | Low-Carb | Low-Glycemic

Prep Time15minutes

Cook Time15minutes

Total Time30minutes

Servings6tacos

Calories409kcal

Ingredients

3/4lbshrimp,peeled and deveined with the tail removed

1 1/2TbspMexican Fiesta seasoningor taco seasoning

1/4 tspsalt(if using salt-free Mexican Fiesta seasoning)

1Tbspavocado oil

2avocados,sliced or cubed

1/2red cabbage,shredded

1/2bunchcilantro

Lime crema(see recipe below)

6of my gluten-free tortillas

Lime Crema

1cupsour cream

½cupmayo

2Tbsplime juice

¼tspsalt

Instructions

Rinse the shrimp under cool water. Pinch and pull the tails off. Place shrimp on a paper towel and pat dry. Sprinkle Mexican Fiesta seasoning, salt and avocado oil on top. Mix until well coated. Cook the shrimp on medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side, or just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout. Remove from heat and set aside.

While the shrimp are cooking, mix up the Lime Crema and thinly slice the red cabbage and scallions. Prepare the avocado by cutting in half lengthwise, removing the seed, and carefully scoring the inside horizontally and vertically into 1/2 inch square chunks. Use a spoon to remove the chunks from the skin.

Arrange the tacos by placing about 1/4 cup of shredded cabbage in each tortilla followed by a tablespoon or so of Lime Crema and a few shrimp (use more than three if using smaller shrimp). Top with the leaves from about 3 sprigs of cilantro and about 2 tablespoons of cubed avocado.

Recipe Notes

The Lime Crema (and in fact this entire recipe) was inspired by Sam's recipe for fish tacos on her blog, Ahead of Thyme. Find her recipe here!

Nutrition Facts

Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema

Amount Per Serving

Calories 409Calories from Fat 306

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 34g52%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Cholesterol 170mg57%

Sodium 860mg36%

Potassium 594mg17%

Total Carbohydrates 12g4%

Dietary Fiber 6g24%

Sugars 4g

Protein 14g28%

Vitamin A24.7%

Vitamin C62.1%

Calcium16.4%

Iron12.7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I hope you enjoy these tacos! Please leave any questions or feedback in the comments below.

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for convenience. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

About Me

Hi! My name is Laura. I'm a Banker turned Nutritionist turned Stay at Home Mom who loves to prove that nutritious food can be delicious food. Why? Because I have a serious craving for taste! If you eat gluten-free, low carb, Paleo, Whole30 or just want to make your favorite recipe better for you, we need to connect. I'm sure you'll find something here to help you satisfy your craving for taste!